Only swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach.

The red and yellow flags indicate the safest place to swim when lifeguards and lifesavers patrol beaches.

• Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the patrolled area for swimming.
• Always swim under supervision.
• Read and obey the signs.
• If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifeguard or lifesaver.
• Don't swim directly after a meal.
• Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Always check the depth of the water.
• Never run or dive in the water. Even if you have checked the depth, water conditions can change.
• If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, by by holding up one arm and waving, float and wait for assistance.
• Use 15+ sunscreen and wear a shirt and hat. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming.
• Learn how to spot a rip and keep clear of it. A rip can be recognised by sand coloured or rippled water running out to sea when the water on either side is generally cleaner. The waves may also be larger and breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip.
• Keep the beach clean, put your rubbish in a bin and keep off the duned areas. They are there to preserve the beach environment.

Surf Life Saving Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) Tourism New South Wales - safety tips Water Safety Practice Note (PDF-external link) Patrolled beaches listing

Beaches - frequently asked questions

Q: Where should I swim at the beach?
The red and yellow flags mark the patrolled part of the beach to swim, and it is also the area constantly under surveillance by the lifesavers/lifeguards.

Q: What are the conditions like?
If you have a question when at a patrolled beach, do not hesitate to ask the lifesaver/lifeguard. They are trained to help you.

Q: What is a rip?
A rip is a seaward-moving water current. After waves have broken and run to the shore, the accumulated water then moves away from the shore through a pathway of least resistance - usually the deepest point. This moving pathway is called a rip.

Q: Where do rips occur?
Rips occur along almost all stretches of beach and in and around rocks, breakwalls or any permanent fixture in the ocean. The larger the waves, the stronger and larger the rips. Most seaward-running rips normally end not far beyond the level of the breaking waves.

Q: What do I do if I get caught in a rip?
Side currents can cause people to be washed off swimming areas where waves break on sandbars. Staying calm is essential. Not swimming directly against the rip is important and strong swimmers only should swim at an angle across the rip. At patrolled beaches it is best to request assistance by raising a straight arm and calling out for help. Floating and conserving energy is important until help arrives.

Struggling against a rip is a quick way to exhaustion and a step closer to panic and tragedy.

Q: Who patrols beaches?
Volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards patrol beaches. Some beaches are patrolled by lifeguards all year round.

Professional lifeguards employed by Councils are paid to work 5-7 days each week on the majority of NSW popular beaches.  They are recognised as wearing long sleeved white shirts with blue collars and cuffs and the word "LIFEGUARD" in red block letters.  In some cases they wear other uniforms such as the red and yellow uniform which is much the same as the volunteer lifesavers. 

The volunteer lifesavers attend to lifesaving patrol duties on most weekends and public holidays during the swimming season.  Volunteer lifesavers are members of Surf Life Saving NSW.   In some areas, Councils engage Surf Life Saving Services, affiliated with Surf Life Saving NSW, to provide contracted lifeguard services to patrol beaches during the week.

For information on patrolled beaches contact Surf Life Saving NSW on (02) 9984 7188 or your local seaside council.

Q: What equipment do lifeguards use?
Lifeguards are trained in the use of a range of first aid and rescue equipment.
At the beach the lifeguard equipment could include: rescue boards, rescue tubes, neck braces, spinal boards, defibrillators, first aid kits, inflatable rescue boats, 2-way radios, trauma paks, quad cycles, 4WD response vehicles, personal water craft and rescue sleds, water safety signage and protective equipment.

Q: What signs are used at beaches?
Australian standard signs are used at beaches to provide information, warn people of hazards and to regulate particular activity. If unsure of what particular signs mean, then ask the duty lifeguard or lifesaver.

Q: How do I become a lifesaver?
Anyone from the age of seven can join a surf lifesaving club and learn the necessary skills to become an active surf lifesaver. If you wish to join, all you need to do is contact your nearest Surf Life Saving Club. In the summer months this can be done on a Saturday or Sunday, or by introducing yourself to the patrol. You can contact Surf Life Saving NSW during working hours on 02 9984 7188 or email experts@surflifesaving.com.au for more information.

Q: How do I become a lifeguard?
A number of Coastal Councils employ lifeguards to manage safety on our beaches.  The Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) conducts courses for accreditation as professional lifeguards.  Contact APOLA for further information. 

Also, Surf Life Saving Services employs lifeguards with essential qualifications including a SLSA Gold Medallion.  Contact Surf Lifesaving NSW for more information.

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